Understanding Phone Numbers in Sweden

Quick Reference

• Country: Sweden
• Country Code: +46
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: 0

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Overview

Discover the intricacies of Sweden's telephone numbering plan with our comprehensive guide. This resource is essential for telecom experts, developers, or anyone interested in Sweden's phone system. Learn about number formats, dialing procedures, and regulatory insights.

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Number Formats

General Structure

Sweden's phone numbers adhere to the ITU-T Recommendation E.164, with a maximum length of 15 digits including the country code. Here's the typical format:

Format: +46 [Area Code] [Subscriber Number]

• Country Code: +46
• Area Code: 1-3 digits (for geographic numbers)
• Subscriber Number: 5-8 digits

Geographic Numbers

Geographic numbers are region-specific. Dial the area code after the national prefix 0 for domestic calls.

Format: 0[Area Code] [Subscriber Number]

Region	Area Code	Subscriber Number Length	Example
Stockholm	8	6-8 digits	08 123 4567
Gothenburg	31	6-8 digits	031 123 4567
Malmö	40	6-8 digits	040 123 4567
Uppsala	18	6-8 digits	018 123 4567
Other Areas	2-3 digits	5-8 digits	026 123 4567

Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers in Sweden start with 7 and are usually 9 digits long.

Format: 07[0-9] [Subscriber Number]

Regular Expression: /^07[02369]\d{7}$/

Prefix	Operator	Example
070	Telia	070 123 4567
073	Tele2	073 123 4567
076	Telenor	076 123 4567
072	Telia	072 123 4567
079	Various	079 123 4567

Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers begin with 020 and range from 6 to 9 digits.

Format: 020 [Subscriber Number]

Regular Expression: /^020\d{4,7}$/

Example
020 123 456
020 1234

Premium Rate Numbers

Premium rate numbers, often starting with 0900, are used for special services.

Format: 0900 [Subscriber Number]

Regular Expression: /^0900\d{4,6}$/

Example
0900 123 456
0900 1234

Shared Cost Numbers

Shared cost numbers start with 077 and share call costs.

Format: 077[0-9] [Subscriber Number]

Regular Expression: /^077[0-7]\d{6}$/

Example
0771 123 456
0772 123 456

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Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

• Landline to Landline: Dial 0 + [Area Code] + [Subscriber Number]
• Landline to Mobile: Dial 0 + [Mobile Number]
• Mobile to Mobile: Dial [Mobile Number] directly

Example: To call a Stockholm landline from another city: 08 123 4567

International Calls

• Outgoing: Dial 00 + [Country Code] + [Area Code or Mobile Prefix] + [Subscriber Number]
• Incoming: Callers from abroad dial +46 + [Area Code or Mobile Prefix] + [Subscriber Number] (omit the leading 0)

Example: To call Sweden from the US: 00 46 8 123 4567

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Recent and Upcoming Changes

As of 2023, Sweden's numbering plan remains stable, managed by the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS).

Number Portability

Implemented since 2001, number portability allows users to keep their numbers when switching operators, applicable to both mobile and landline numbers.

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

Operator	Mobile Number Prefixes
Telia	070, 072
Tele2	073
Telenor	076
Hi3G Access	071, 079

Regulatory and Management Information

• Regulatory Body: Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS)
• Website: PTS.se
• ITU-T Standard: E.164

Technical Considerations

Regular Expressions for Validation

For developers, these regex patterns validate Swedish phone numbers:

• Geographic Numbers: /^0[1-9]\d{1,2}\d{5,8}$/
• Mobile Numbers: /^07[02369]\d{7}$/
• Toll-Free Numbers: /^020\d{4,7}$/
• Premium Rate Numbers: /^0900\d{4,6}$/
• Shared Cost Numbers: /^077[0-7]\d{6}$/

Number Allocation and Management

The PTS oversees number allocation, ensuring compliance with ITU-T standards.

Technical Restrictions and Special Cases

There are no specific restrictions like golden numbers in Sweden, but PTS ensures proper number distribution.